Team of the Week

It was a weekend to celebrate as PRO Rugby came to a triumphant close, and as such those players take the spotlight in this week’s selection. We did find a couple deserving participants in the URBA Top 14 who have been sandwiched in after their outstanding efforts for Hindú against SIC.

1 – Eric Fry (Sacramento) It’s a shame he didn’t come into the PRO ranks until late in the hour, but a contract is a contract. After being left out of the Eagles squad in June, Fry has started to show some form again and looks to be back in the picture again. A strong match to wrap up the season with the Express will give him – and the selectors – a bit of confidence heading towards November.

2 – Zach Fenoglio (Denver) A couple lineouts didn’t go as planned early on but he picked up his socks and played another fine game. Scored yet another try that might not have contributed to the win, but proved crucial to the Stampede coming away with the title.

3 – Olive Kilifi (Sacramento) Came on early in the second half as an impact sub and certainly performed his role. Helped win a penalty try at the scrum and then piled over for a score himself to inspire a comeback that nearly shocked the Rush who looked home and dry.

4 – Brendan Daly (San Francisco) Huge work rate and enthusiasm in the middle of the Rush pack. When others tired with the Express on their heels, Daly was spurring them on to finish what they started.

5 – Kyle Baillie (Ohio) Asked to play 80 minutes in the Aviators engine room and responded with a big effort. Stuffed up the Denver lineout and got involved as both a carrier and supporter.

6 – Hanco Germishuys (Denver) Smashed into anything wearing blue and a few of his own as well. How many will remember that a 19-year-old scored the try that clinched the first ever PRO Rugby title?

7 – Sebastián Kalm (Ohio) A terrific end to a great season for the Chilean prospect. Scoured the pitch in search of the ball and played a vital role in keeping the ball – and Ohio’s title hopes – alive, despite falling agonizingly short at the last moment.

8 – Langi Haupeakui (Sacramento) Not the greatest week for Americas options but the Express train did just enough to put himself into contention. A little short of full fitness, he still managed to trundle over a few defenders on a couple meaty carries.

9 – Chris Saint (Sacramento) Another very good performance in a beaten team. His never-say-die attitude helped spur a comeback, and his try in the first half came when his team in the game. Strong form has earned him a deserved call-up to the Eagles Elite Training Squad.

10 – Will Magie (Denver) Not his best performance off the kicking tee but otherwise another strong outing controlling territory and tempo for the Stampede. Must be wondering what he has to do to get a look-in after being left out of the EETS.

11 – Dustin Croy (Denver) Out-witted his gargantuan opponent with clever defense and smart running lines. His try was well-taken and led to a 10-minute stretch that earned the Stampede the title.

12 – Nemia Qoro (Sacramento) Same again as the hard man punched holes in the midfield. Perhaps even more influential was his defense with several crunching hits including one on Mils Muliaina.

13 – Chad London (Denver) Capped a fine season with a try and a season-saving cover tackle on a streaking Spike Davis. One of the Stampede’s most reliable performers over the past four months.

14 – Severiano Escobio (Hindú) With no obvious contenders from PRO we’ve stretched our arm into the URBA competition and grabbed two outstanding performers. Escobio lined up at outside centre but will do just fine on the wing for us. His pace and handling saw him score one of the best tries of the year and set up another. The 27-year-old has never found international recognition past u20 level because of his slight figure but is a classy attacker as he showed against San Isidro Club.

15 – Joaquín Díaz Bonilla (Hindú) Pulling the strings at flyhalf was Díaz Bonilla, whose vision and quickness make him easily capable of slotting in at fullback for us. Four conversions and huge ambition saw the Argentina XV playmaker lead Hindú to a 48-23 win over SIC.